<h2>Name</h2>
<p>
The name is derived from the word <em>was saaffat</em> with which the Surah
begins. 
</p>
<h2>Period of Revelation</h2>
<p>
The subject matter and the style show
that this Surah probably was sent down in the middle of the Makkan
period, or perhaps in the last stage of the middle Makkan period. The
style clearly indicates that antagonism is raging strong in the
background and the Holy Prophet and his Companions are passing through
very difficult and discouraging circumstances.
</p>
<h2>Subject Matter and Theme</h2>
<p>
The disbelievers of Makkah have been severely warned for their
attitude of mockery and derision with which they were responding to
the Holy Prophet's message of <em>Tauhid</em> and the Hereafter and for their
utter refusal to accept and acknowledge his claim to Prophethood. In
the end, they have been plainly warned that the Prophet whom they are
mocking and ridiculing will overwhelm them in spite of their power and
self and they will find the army of Allah encamping in the very
courtyards of their houses (vv. 171-179. This notice was given at a
time when there appeared no chance whatever of the Holy Prophet's
success and triumph. The Muslims (who have been called Allah's army in
these verses) were being made the target of severe persecution. Three-
fourth of their population had already emigrated and hardly 40 to 50
of the Companions were left with the Holy Prophet in Makkah who were
experiencing all sorts of the excesses with utter helplessness. Under
such circumstances, in view of the apparent conditions, no one could
believe that the Holy Prophet and the handful of his ill equipped
Companions would ultimately attain dominance. The people rather
thought that the new movement would end and be buried in the ravines
of Makkah. But hardly 15 to 16 years had passed when on the conquest
of Makkah precisely the same thing happened of which the disbelievers
had been forewarned. 
</p>
<p>
Along with administering warnings, Allah in this
Surah has done full justice also to the theme of inducement and
instruction in a balanced way. Brief but impressive arguments have
been given about the validity of the doctrines of <em>Tauhid</em> and the
Hereafter. Criticism has been made of the creed of the <em>mushrikin</em> to
show the absurdity of their beliefs; they have been informed of the
evil consequences of their deviations, which have been contrasted with
the splendid results of the faith and righteous acts. Then, in
continuation of the same, Precedents from past history have been cited
to show how Allah had been treating His Prophets and their followers :
how He has been favoring His faithful servants and punishing their
deniers and rejectors. 
</p>
<p>
The most instructive of the historical
narratives presented in this Surah is the important event of the pious
life of the Prophet Abraham, who became ready to sacrifice his only
son as soon as he received an inspiration from Allah. In this there
was a lesson not only for the disbelieving Quraish, who waxed proud of
their blood relationship with him, but also for the Muslims who had
believed in Allah and His Messenger. By narrating this event they were
told what is the essence and the real spirit of Islam, and how a true
believer should be ready to sacrifice his all for the pleasure and
approval of Allah after he has adopted it as his Faith and Creed. 
</p>
<p>
The
last verses of the Surah were not only a warning for the disbelievers
but also a good news for the believers who were passing through highly
unfavorable and discouraging conditions on account of their
supporting and following the Holy Prophet. In these verses they were
given the good news that they should not be disheartened at the
hardships and difficulties they had to encounter in the beginning, for
in the end they alone would attain dominance, and the standard bearers
of falsehood, who appeared to be dominant at the time would be
overwhelmed and vanquished at their hands. A few years later the turn
the events took, proved that it was not an empty consolation but an
inevitable reality of which they had been foretold in order to
strengthen their hearts.
</p>

